WYCKOFF, N.J. & DILLSBURG, PENN. — Edward Natale Sr, 75, passed away on January 26, 2022. A native of Wyckoff, Ed was a graduate of the Wyckoff schools and Ramapo Regional High School. Ed obtained his BA degree from William Paterson University.
Ed worked for Electrolux (now Aerus) for many years, running retail stores in Fair Lawn, Clifton, Emerson and most recently Hillsdale. He was recognized with numerous sales awards and was the recipient of many trips around the world. Ed attended Hawthorne Gospel Church and served by driving the church bus. He pitched on the softball team and very much enjoyed playing on the basketball team up until age 73! Ed was an antique automobile and motorcycle enthusiast who loved old cars and bikes and related events, including parades, weddings, tours and shows. He participated in and helped organize the cars for the annual Wyckoff Memorial Day parade.
Ed was a member of the Antique Automobile Club of America, Garden State Half Century region (past president), Buick Club of America, North Jersey Chapter (past president), Classic Car Club of America, Cadillac and LaSalle Club and the NJ Association of Corvair Enthusiasts. He most enjoyed the swap meets and could be found year-round scouring them for various treasures. He was proud to have attended the annual meet in Hershey, Penn., for more than 55 consecutive years. Ed collected automobilia and petroliana and was the cofounder of the Metro Petro Oil and Gas Collectors, who run the annual Metro Petro show in North Jersey. Ed traveled to many shows around the country including the Northeast Gas Bash, Mason Dixon show, Mass Gas show, Gasstuff show, Iowa Gas show and the Check the Oil convention at which he made many friends in the hobby.
Ed also liked attending auctions, estate sales and flea markets, and while always on the hunt for cool stuff, he most enjoyed the camaraderie of fellow hobbyists. Alongside his father, Ed learned the automobile upholstery trade and operated Wyckoff Auto S/C. Many examples of his sought-after quality craftsmanship can be found on old cars around the country. Ed looked forward to the annual family vacations down the shore with his grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He liked skeeball, pinball, old Jeep trucks, telling jokes and ice cream.
Ed was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Margaret (Benz), brother Joseph, and grandson Karl. He is survived by his wife Lois, son Edward Jr (Julie) of Wyckoff, N.J., daughter Janice Baker (Thad) of Mechanicsburg, Penn., and son James (Valerie) of Dillsburg, Penn; and grandchildren Annelise, Kelsey, Ryan, Alexa, Lathan, Kendall, Abel and Miles; and brother Richard (Sharon). He will be missed by his extended family, including Dorothy Natale, Rich and Carol DeLaat, Ethel and Russ Muter, Nancy and Brant Tolsma, Ruth and Allen Susen, and all their children; the numerous friends and associates from Electrolux, Hawthorne Gospel Church, the antique car and collector clubs.
A celebration of life service will be held in New Jersey on February 19, at Hawthorne Gospel Church at 1 pm with refreshments following. For those unable to attend, the service will be live streamed. The family wishes to thank everyone for their outpouring of love and prayers through this time of sorrow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ed’s memory to Eastern Christian Children’s Retreat, 700 Mountain Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ 07481; Wyckoff Protection Fire Company 1, PO Box 232, Wyckoff, NJ 07481; or Wyckoff Volunteer Ambulance Corps, PO Box 214, Wyckoff, NJ 07481.
